Established in 2000, the MGCF strives to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged and at-risk youth of San Joaquin County. The driving force behind the Foundation’s inception was the need for suitable housing for innocent children removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment.

The Foundation, whose volunteer board includes business leaders, health care professionals, financial experts, and educators, rallied with the community and the Human Service Agency to replace the crumbling dormitory buildings that provided shelter to the children. The Foundation raised enough funds to build a child advocacy center where victims of abuse may be interviewed discreetly and with sensitivity. The new JD Kortzeborn Child Advocacy Center is located on the shelter’s grounds and provides medical care for residents and other foster children.

Upon completion of the new Shelter the Foundation recognized a dismaying void in the continuum of care for foster children. Once these children attain adulthood, there is no provision for continued education and after-care. Without guidance and financial support systems, the odds of these children becoming successful, self-sufficient adults are low. Statistics show that former foster children comprise 40% of the nation’s homeless population. Many of which end up in the criminal justice system.

The Foundations rose to the challenge, and started its Trade School and College Scholarship Program in 2004. Eight students were initially enrolled at trade schools, community colleges, and state universities. Several students have since graduated and have began their careers. The Foundation’s contributions may include subsidized housing, special needs stipends, and tutoring services.

Concurrent with these efforts, the Foundation provided, and continues to provide, enrichment funds for the children placed in the protective custody of the Shelter. While government funds cover the basic living expenses-food, shelter, clothing-there are no funds for the little “extras” that enrich childhood-birthday parties, holiday gifts, outings to the movies and ball games, prom dresses and tuxedos, etc. The Foundation determined to cover these expenses and has supported the County’s mission to provide a safe, nurturing environment for these children while they begin their healing process.

In addition to this financial support, the Foundation has established a mentoring program for the scholarship recipients. Community volunteers from varied walks of life-physicians, attorneys, educators, philanthropists-have joined forces to lend a helping hand, open ears, and sometimes, a shoulder to cry on, so that the students can navigate through yet another stressful period in their lives.